Sankara Eye Hospital, a leading name in eye care, has announced plans to screen all school students across Coimbatore district within the next year under its flagship Rainbow Programme. This initiative aims to identify and treat vision problems in children early, preventing avoidable blindness.
Expanding Eye Care Through the Rainbow Programme
Dr. R.V. Ramani, Founder and Managing Trustee of Sankara Eye Foundation India, made this announcement during the inauguration of the new state-of-the-art LASIK Laser Centre at the hospital’s Sivanandapuram campus.
The Rainbow Programme, launched by the hospital, focuses on early detection of eye conditions in school children. Dr. Ramani emphasized that this initiative would reach every student in the district within the next year, providing timely interventions where necessary.
Celebrating 49 Years of Service
“As we step into our 49th year of community eye care in May 2025, we reaffirm our commitment to social impact through medical excellence,” said Dr. Ramani.
As per the press release, Sankara Eye Hospital operates 14 hospitals across India. The most recent facility was inaugurated in Varanasi by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Furthermore, plans are underway to open a new hospital in Patna, Bihar, with land already allocated by the state government in the heart of the city.
Over 1 Crore Lives Impacted
To date, Sankara Eye Hospitals have treated over one crore individuals for various vision-related issues. Dr. Ramani also highlighted a key partnership with the ICICI Foundation. Its President, Mr. Sanjay Datta, impressed by the hospital’s dedication during a visit last year, pledged continued support for future initiatives.
LASIK Laser Centre: Cutting-Edge Technology for Precision Eye Care
The newly launched LASIK Laser Centre is equipped with the Schwind Amaris 1050RS, a high-performance laser system developed in Germany. Dr. J.K. Reddy, Director-Technical Head of Cornea & Refractive Surgery, noted that the device offers unmatched speed, safety, and precision in correcting vision.
Unlike traditional methods, the system performs a complete pre-evaluation of the patient’s eye and integrates the data directly into the laser platform. This ensures customized, accurate treatment for each individual.
“This advanced service will be made accessible at regular pricing, making it affordable for more people,” added Dr. Reddy.
Recognizing Commitment to Eye Health
District Collector Mr. Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar, who inaugurated the centre, commended the hospital’s consistent efforts. He praised its compassionate service delivery and its vital role in advancing eye care across Tamil Nadu.
Legacy of Social Impact
In his welcome address, Dr. S.V. Balasubramaniam, Chairman of Sankara Eye Foundation India, shared the institution’s journey. He credited its success to dedicated human resources, cutting-edge equipment, and long-standing collaboration with district authorities.
Founded in 1977 by Dr. R.V. Ramani and Dr. Radha Ramani as a modest health care center, Sankara Eye Foundation has grown into one of India’s largest not-for-profit eye care providers. With hospitals in over 10 states, it plays a pivotal role in the National Eye Health Care Movement.
Event Attendees
The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of senior doctors, paramedical staff, dignitaries, and officials from the ICICI Foundation, all joining to celebrate a new milestone in community eye care.